The 3 Most Common Ductless Mini Splits
One of the most energy efficient and popular types of HVAC systems we have available today are ductless mini split systems, but did you know that there are 3 different types of indoor units? We have been installing ductless mini splits for years, and have seen homeowners elect for different types of indoor air handlers, depending on the look of the room and what would adequately comfort the space.
In this article, I’ll tell you a little more about each of the 3 different types of mini split systems. I’ll also walk you through a few of my favorite benefits of a ductless mini split heat pump system for your home comfort. I’ve installed hundreds of these units in my time in the HVAC business, and it’s one of my favorite HVAC systems for a reason.
If you’d like to speak to one of our experts about a mini split system for your home, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our experts will be able to answer any questions you may have, and set you up with a free mini split consultation!
A Ductless Mini Split Is A Heat Pump
The first thing you should know is that a ductless mini split functions as a heat pump. It draws heat from the air outside, and pumps it into your home during the winter. In the summer, the process is reversed to cool your space down. There is a condenser that sits outside, and connects to a small bit of tubing that leads into your home.
This tubing then connects to your indoor unit. This indoor unit is what disperses the air and keeps the space comfortable. Here is where the different indoor units comes into play. The 3 most common types of indoor units for a ductless mini split system are hanging wall units, floor-mounted units, and ceiling cassette units.
Wall Hanging Units
Wall-mounted units are the most common and recognizable type of ductless mini split indoor air handler. These units are normally installed high on an interior wall and are usually high up and out of the way. These systems are whisper quiet, energy efficient, and do an excellent job of distributing the air evenly throughout a room.
This type of unit is perfect for bedrooms, offices, or living rooms where wall space is available. There are different color options available to allow it to blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. These systems have also become popular in office buildings and restaurants for these same reasons.
Floor Mounted Units
Floor-mounted ductless units are a great choice for rooms that may not have available wall space or for homeowners who don’t want to add anything else to their walls, and prefer a more traditional look. These units are installed closer to the floor, either against the wall or slightly recessed into it, very similar to a traditional radiator.
They provide direct and consistent heating and cooling at ground level, which can be helpful in rooms with large windows or high ceilings, allowing the cooled or heated air to move through the living area constantly. These units are often found more in basements, sunrooms, and rooms with a lot already on the walls.
Ceiling Cassette Units
Ceiling cassette ductless units are installed in the ceiling, with only the grille visible. These are often used in larger, open-concept rooms or in spaces where you want to keep the walls completely free from visible equipment. Kitchens and large dining spaces work well with these type of indoor air handlers.
These systems do a great job of dispersing air throughout an entire space, and are often used in commercial applications like office buildings. These are also great for smaller homes without much room to offer for a wall or floor mounted unit.
Why Install A Ductless Heat Pump System?
Once you’ve figured out what ductless mini split style fits your home best, you can focus on the benefits that come along with each of them! One of the most attractive features is that they offer incredible energy efficiency. Because there’s no ductwork involved, you eliminate the energy loss that often occurs in the ductwork of traditional central HVAC systems. The operation and design of how the heat pumps work also lend towards a greener, more energy efficient HVAC option.This leads to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental impact!
Another great advantage is the zoned comfort control. Instead of keeping the entire space at the same temperature like a traditional HVAC system, these zoned mini split systems operate independently of each other. This allows you to save significant amount of energy. It’s also ideal for families with varying comfort preferences, or for homes with rooms that are rarely used and don’t need to be heated or cooled like the rest of the house.
One of the underlying but also very pleasant benefits is their quiet operation. Unlike noisy window units or older central HVAC systems, ductless systems run very quietly both inside and outside. This is why we see more and more of these in bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices.
One of the other advantages we love is their ability to both heat and cool a space. Instead of having separate heating and cooling systems, these ductless mini splits can keep you comfortable year-round. No more lugging window units or space heaters out of storage. These units can take care of every season, and are perfect for spring or fall, where you may need a bit of both from day to day.
Which Indoor Ductless Unit Is Right For Your Home?
Every home is different, even if they share many similarities. It comes down to the layout of your space, and your personal preferences. It also depends on if you plan to use your ductless system for your whole home, or to supplement a current HVAC system. If you want something that sits up and out of the way, a wall unit is the best. It’s the most common ductless mini split that is installed, and does a great job of dispersing the air.
If you want something a bit more out of the way, a floor-mounted unit or a ceiling cassette may be the better option. Depending on the room’s design, you may want to opt for one unit or the other. Either way, our experts are able to help you design the system, and choose the right one that fits your needs best.
Installing A Ductless Mini Split On The Main Line
If you think a ductless mini split system is a good fit for your home, give us a call at (610) 446-7877 or contact us online. We’ve been helping homeowners in Havertown, Ardmore, and the surrounding neighborhoods since 1953, and we’d love to help you design the perfect comfort solution for your home.
Whether you’re retrofitting an older house, remodeling a room, or building something brand new, a ductless mini split system can offer comfort, efficiency, and flexibility that traditional systems can’t match.
